Lecture Series on Mechanical Engineering

One of the six founding courses of study at MIT, Mechanical Engineering embodies the motto “mens et manus” — mind and hand. Disciplinary depth and breadth, together with hands-on discovery and physical realization, characterize our nationally and internationally recognized leadership in research, education, and innovation. MIT mechanical engineers have always stood at the forefront in tackling the engineering challenges of the day: inventing new technologies, spawning new fields of study, and educating generations of leaders in industry, government, and academia.

Research and Innovation

Today, mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most versatile of the engineering professions. This is reflected in the portfolio of current research and education activities in the department, one that has widened rapidly in the past decade. Our faculty and students are involved in projects that aim to bring engineering solutions to a spectrum of global challenges, including the development and design of:

• Clean and renewable energy technologies, including research in photovoltaics, wind energy, fuel cells, thermoelectrics, and carbon capture
• New thermal and membrane technologies required for water purification and desalination
• Instrumentation, controls, and other technologies required for medical therapies and biomedical exploration
• Vehicles, acoustics, and control systems for underwater exploration and environmental monitoring
• Structured materials and advanced technologies for protection and security of our first responders and soldiers
• Precision devices, machines, and robotics

To meet these challenges, research in the department is coordinated across seven collaborative disciplinary thrust areas:

• Mechanics
• Design, Manufacturing, & Product Development
• Controls, Instrumentation & Robotics
• Energy Science & Engineering
• Ocean Science & Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Micro and Nano Engineering